🎭 National Arts in Education Week - 9/13-9/19🎨
Throughout this week, Wise County Public Schools celebrates the incredible impact the arts have on our students, our schools, and our community.
From theatre and music to visual arts and creative expression, the arts provide students with opportunities to discover their talents, build confidence, collaborate with others, and express themselves in meaningful ways.
We are especially proud of the accomplishments happening across our schools:
🎭 Eastside High School One-Act Theatre, under the direction of Mr. Shane Burke, has demonstrated excellence on the state stage, earning One-Act State Championship honors.
🎶 Wise Central High School’s 9 O’Clock Club, sponsored by VHSL Hall of Fame member Mrs. Jan Thompson, provides students with opportunities to develop their musical talents and experience the joy of performing.
🎺With over 120 band members, Union High School Band, under the direction of Mrs. Kimberly Sturgill, continues to achieve success while inspiring students through music, dedication, and teamwork.
We are thankful for our art instructors at the elementary, middle and secondary levels who encourage creativity, nurture talent, and provide a creative outlet for our students. Their dedication helps students discover their voices, explore their passions, and develop skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
During National Arts in Education Week, we celebrate the creativity, passion, and talent of our students and the educators who make the arts an essential part of the educational experience.
The arts inspire. The arts empower. The arts help our students shine.
Since 1979, Betty Robinette has been a familiar and caring presence in the Union community. With the exception of a five-year break, Betty has dedicated 42 years to serving Wise County Public Schools as a school bus driver, safely transporting generations of students throughout the Union community.
Serving students at Union Primary, Union Middle, and Union High School, Betty embodies the spirit of community and school pride that makes Union special. Her commitment extends far beyond driving a bus. She has purchased Christmas gifts for students, returned backpacks and hoodies, and always looked for ways to support students and their well-being.
That spirit of school pride was on full display when the buses rolled into Union High School playing music to pump up students and staff. It was a celebration of the energy, pride, and sense of community that bus drivers in the Union community have helped foster throughout their years of service.
Her impact is evident when a current student walks up to Betty and simply says, “Good morning.” It is a small moment that reflects the meaningful relationships she has built with students throughout her years of service.
Thank you, Betty, for 42 years of service, compassion, community, and school spirit. Wise County is appreciative of your 42 years of dedication and committment to student success.
Wise County Public Schools is proud to share an exciting opportunity for Wise County students and residents to participate in the Semiquincentennial Essay Contest, celebrating the 250th Birthday of the United States of America!
SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL ESSAY CONTEST INFORMATION
To celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States of America, the Wise Business Association and Wise County Historical Society are sponsoring an Essay Contest for Wise County residents—both youth and adults!
📖 Theme: “Remember the Past, Imagine the Future”
Let your imagination be your guide! Choose any event from our nation’s long history that interests you and explore something you would like to learn more about.
✍️ Two Categories:
Youth: 18 years of age and younger
Adult: 19 years of age and older
🏆 Prizes in Each Category:
🥇 1st Place — $150
🥈 2nd Place — $100
📅 Deadline: September 26, 2026
📝 Entries must be typed and limited to 500 words.
📄 Cover Sheet Requirements:
Please include:
Adult or Youth
School (if Youth)
Name
Address
Email
Phone Number
📬 Mail Entries To:
Bonnie Aker
Box 595
Wise, VA 24293
ATT: ESSAY
📍 Entries may also be dropped off during business hours at:
The Clapboard House
207 West Main Street
Wise, VA
🎉 Award Ceremony
📅 Friday, October 9, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 The Inn at Wise
Light refreshments and music will be provided. Everyone is welcome!
We encourage our Wise County students, families, and community members to participate in this special opportunity to celebrate our nation’s history while imagining its future!
Thank you for participating in this historical event!
We hope our students, families, faculty, staff, and community members enjoy a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable long weekend.
Thank you to the hardworking individuals who help make our schools and our community strong each and every day. We appreciate all you do!
We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday, September 8.
Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend, Wise County!
📢 Upcoming Schedule Changes
Wise County Public Schools would like to remind families and staff of the following schedule changes:
🕧 Early Dismissal – Friday, September 4, 2026
Schools will dismiss at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, September 4, in observance of the midpoint of the first nine-week grading period.
📚 Teacher Reminder: Teachers are expected to participate in scheduled professional development activities until 3:30 p.m.
🏫 Schools Closed – Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026
Wise County Public Schools will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.
Students and staff will return to school on Tuesday, September 8.
We hope everyone enjoys a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable Labor Day weekend!
WCPS will be offering FREE developmental and speech screenings Friday, September 25th. These screenings are open to preschool children ages 2.5 - 5 years of age, who live in Wise County, and are not yet attending kindergarten. For more information, contact Kristen Day at kpday@wisek12.org, or at (276) 328-8017 ext. 12043.
Early Dismissal Notice - Friday, September 4, 2026:
Wise County Public Schools will dismiss early at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, in observance of the mid-point of the first nine-week grading period. Teachers are reminded that they are expected to participate in scheduled professional development activities until 3:30pm.
🏆 UHS& UMS Student Spotlight: SWVA CanCode Pitchfest Winners! 💻
We are incredibly proud to celebrate two outstanding student innovators who represented our division at the Regional SWVA CanCode Pitchfest on Monday at UVA Wise!
🥇 Aeris Odom (UHS) earned 1st Place in the High School Division, showcasing creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking.
🥉 Tucker Mullins (UMS) earned 3rd Place in the Middle School Division, demonstrating impressive problem-solving skills and the confidence to pitch his ideas to a regional audience.
Congratulations, Aeris and Tucker! Your hard work, creativity, and willingness to think outside the box are inspiring examples of student leadership and achievement. We are proud of the way you represent your schools, families, and community!
Our tradition of excellence continues!
WISE COUNTY SCHOOLS DOES IT AGAIN!
We are incredibly proud to announce that Wise County Public Schools has once again finished 3rd in the Commonwealth of Virginia in Standards of Learning performance among all 131 school divisions!
This marks our FOURTH consecutive year finishing 3rd in Virginia and our 11TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR as a Top 10 school division in the Commonwealth.
Eleven consecutive years.
Students have entered kindergarten and graduated from high school during that span. Standards have changed. Assessments have changed. Expectations have increased.
And through it all, Wise County Schools has remained among the very best school divisions in Virginia.
That doesn't happen by accident.
It happens because of outstanding students, dedicated teachers, strong school leadership, committed employees, supportive families, and a community that believes in its schools.
Being in the Top 10 once is an accomplishment.
Staying there for 11 consecutive years says something about who we are.
Finishing 3rd in Virginia for four consecutive years says something about the standard our students and employees have established.
We are proud of this accomplishment. We are proud of our people. And we are especially proud of our students.
Our Tradition of Excellence continues.
Student Spotlight: Honoring Friendship, Excellence, and Community at Union
Malakai is a current senior band member at Union High School. When Malakai was diagnosed with autism at three years old, his early years were marked by significant speech delays and motor skill challenges. Communication did not come easily, but through his own determination—and the dedicated guidance of key educators along the way—Malakai’s path became one of remarkable achievement.
Early Milestones and Digital Mastery
Malakai’s educational journey gained momentum at Minnick, where educator Mr. Eric Salyers provided vital early resources and support. Mr. Salyers states, “I am thrilled to see Malakai doing so well! I had Malakai at Minnick for several years. He was a joy to have as a student." In 2020, Malakai transitioned from Minnick to Union Middle School for sixth grade. There, Coach Josh Spurlock stepped in as a mentor, guiding him through school expectations and equipping him with tools for academic and personal success. Spurlock states, “Malakai is one of those students you don’t forget. When I first met him, he was shy and quiet as he adjusted to being back in the general education classroom. Over time, I had the privilege of watching him become more comfortable, build relationships, and truly find his place. The quiet young man I first met soon became someone who brought energy, laughter, smiles, and plenty of great stories. Malakai had a way of brightening the day of the people around him, and it was a joy to watch his confidence grow. I’m grateful for the time I had with Malakai and proud to have played a small role in his journey."
Outside the classroom, Malakai’s deep curiosity about computers developed into world-class technical skill. A naturally gifted typist, he achieved an astounding speed of 249 words per minute, ranking 30th out of over 5 million users on Monkey Type. His precision and speed earned him spots in competitive cash tournaments, including a second-place finish and an $800 prize on [keymaster].
Resilience in Rhythm
In eighth grade, Malakai faced a profound turning point. His closest friend, Joshua—a dedicated student, football fan, and tuba player—had often encouraged Malakai to join the school band. Malakai states, “He was one of the only close friends I had at Union. In fact, he was the only person I talked outside of school.” Following a devastating tragedy that took Joshua's life, Malakai chose to step into the band program to honor his friend's memory, taking up Joshua's instrument: the tuba and sousaphone. Through joining Union High’s band program, Malakai wanted to also honor Joshua’s love of football.
Entering the band room with no prior musical training, Malakai found an encouraging home under the direction of Mrs. Kimberly Sturgill–”Malakai refused to let any label define him, instead showing through his character, work ethic, pride, talent, and dedication that he is a stellar band member and someone we can always count on. He joined the band to honor a friend he lost, and in doing so, created a legacy of his own, touching the lives of countless students and the adults fortunate enough to work with him.” With Mrs. Sturgill’s guidance, resources, and unwavering belief in his potential, Malakai fully committed himself to the art of music.
From Beginner to Senior Soloist
Malakai’s commitment helped drive unprecedented success for the program:
2024: The band earned its first Superior rating.
2025: The ensemble achieved straight Superiors across all categories.
2026: Malakai helps lead a 120-member marching band—the largest in the school’s history in over 16 years.
From a student who started with zero musical background in middle school, this fall, Malakai now takes the field as a featured senior soloist.
Looking Ahead
As graduation approaches, Malakai is preparing for his next step, with local college options on the horizon. In addition to those aforementioned educators that played a crucial role in Malakai’s life, Malakai is supported greatly by Union High School’s Principal, Mr. Jerred Chandler, who often mentors Malakai, “Malakai approaches coming to school with an upbeat attitude, and a willingness to want to make a positive impact on the lives of others. He is a great asset to Union High School.”
The Wise County Public School Division joins the Union High School community in celebrating and taking immense pride in Malakai’s achievements. We are grateful to the educators, staff, peers, and community members who have walked alongside him throughout his journey. His story reminds us all of what is possible when student dedication is met with strong school and community support.
🍎 As we welcome students back for a new school year, our schools will dismiss early during the first two days of classes to help everyone transition into new routines and schedules.
Tomorrow, Friday, August 7, 2026, all schools will dismiss at 12:30 p.m. Early dismissal gives students and staff additional time to adjust to the new school year, helping ensure a smooth and successful start for everyone.
We look forward to a year filled with learning, growth, and success.
Welcome back, students and staff!
We are excited to welcome our students back for the 2026–2027 school year tomorrow, Thursday, August 6! Our teachers and staff members have been hard at work preparing engaging classrooms, our transportation team has serviced, cleaned, and sanitized every bus, and our division leadership has implemented new curriculum and strengthened systems to support safe, successful learning. Students, parents/guardians, and staff members are reminded that school will dismiss early at 12:30pm on Thursday, August 6, and Friday, August 7, 2026. We can't wait to welcome our students back, and look forward to an amazing 2026–2027 school year.
We'll see you tomorrow!
